Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar – Sustainable Development – Outstanding Scientist Award

Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar - Sustainable Development - Outstanding Scientist Award

Head of Engineering Department at University of Birmingham

Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar is an Associate Professor in Civil Engineering and Head of the Engineering Department at the University of Birmingham Dubai. His expertise bridges academia and industry, with leadership in research on sustainable construction, 3D printing, and low-carbon materials. He founded the Additive Manufacturing Technology in Construction (AMTC) centre, driving innovation in eco-friendly building practices. Over his career, he has managed research grants exceeding £2 million and authored more than 90 publications, advancing the global conversation on circular economy principles in construction.

Professional Profile

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Education

Seyed Ghaffar holds a PhD in Civil Engineering Material Sciences from Brunel University of London, supported by an Industrial Cooperative Awards in Science & Technology (CASE) sponsorship. He also earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering with First Class Honours from the same institution. His academic journey provided a strong foundation in materials science, structural engineering, and sustainable construction, enabling him to merge theoretical understanding with practical applications in engineering projects and academic leadership roles worldwide.

Professional Experience

With a career spanning roles from Postdoctoral Research Associate to Associate Professor, Seyed Ghaffar has contributed significantly to academia and industry. He led the Engineering Department in Dubai, previously serving at Brunel University London in various academic and administrative capacities. His expertise extends to programme development, industry partnerships, and research supervision. He has served as an expert evaluator for European Commission projects, reviewer for funding bodies, and editor for leading engineering journals, reinforcing his influence in the global engineering community.

Research Interest

Research interests centre on sustainable construction materials, additive manufacturing, and the circular economy. Seyed Ghaffar focuses on developing low-carbon technologies for new builds and retrofitting, recycling construction and demolition waste, and advancing 3D printing applications in civil engineering. His work also explores integrating bio-based materials, enhancing durability, and optimising concrete for sustainability. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, he aims to transform construction practices into more resource-efficient, environmentally responsible processes, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Award And Honor

Recognised for his academic and research contributions, Seyed Ghaffar has received multiple awards, including the Award for Excellence and Teaching Support of the Year from Brunel University London. His early career achievements earned him the Institute of Structural Engineers Prize and Graham Hawkes Award for best final-year project. His professional honours include Fellowship of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, and membership in the Institute of Concrete Technology, highlighting his respected standing in engineering circles.

Research Skill

Seyed Ghaffar’s skills span advanced material characterisation, mix design optimisation for 3D printing, and life cycle analysis of construction materials. Proficient in both experimental and computational techniques, he applies methodologies such as rheology testing, durability assessment, and finite element modelling. His research leadership involves securing and managing multi-partner grants, mentoring PhD candidates, and delivering impactful publications. This diverse expertise enables him to translate scientific innovation into practical engineering solutions that address environmental and industry challenges.

Publications

With over 90 peer-reviewed publications, Seyed Ghaffar’s work appears in high-impact journals such as Construction and Building Materials and Journal of Cleaner Production. His research covers topics like bio-based composites, recycled aggregates, and digital fabrication in construction. He has co-authored influential book chapters and edited the volume Innovation in Construction, showcasing advancements in industry practices. Many of his papers result from collaborations with graduate students, reflecting his dedication to fostering academic growth and producing high-quality, industry-relevant research.

Title: Pathways to circular construction: An integrated management of construction and demolition waste for resource recovery
Authors: S.H. Ghaffar, M. Burnman, N. Braimah
Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production, 244, 2020

Title: Additive manufacturing technology and its implementation in construction as an eco-innovative solution
Authors: S.H. Ghaffar
Journal: Automation in Construction, 93, 2018

Title: Structural analysis for lignin characteristics in biomass straw
Authors: S.H. Ghaffar, M. Fan
Journal: Biomass and Bioenergy, 57, 2013

Title: Lignin in straw and its applications as an adhesive
Authors: S.H. Ghaffar, M. Fan
Journal: International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, 48, 2014

Title: Fracture and impact properties of short discrete jute fibre-reinforced cementitious composites
Authors: X. Zhou, S.H. Ghaffar, W. Dong, O. Oladiran, M. Fan
Journal: Materials & Design, 49, 2013

Conclusion

Seyed Ghaffar’s career reflects a blend of academic excellence, innovative research, and professional leadership in civil engineering. Through pioneering work in sustainable construction and additive manufacturing, he has shaped industry practices and influenced policy directions. His contributions extend beyond research, encompassing teaching, mentoring, and international collaboration. By championing circular economy principles and eco-innovative solutions, he continues to inspire transformative change in the built environment, positioning himself as a leading figure in global engineering innovation.

Eleeyah Saniso | Sustainable Development | Innovative Research Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Eleeyah Saniso | Sustainable Development | Innovative Research Award

Lecturer/Researcher at Yala Rajabhat University, Thailand

Assistant Professor Dr. Eleeyah Saniso is a dedicated academic and researcher specializing in renewable energy and drying technology at Yala Rajabhat University, Thailand. With an academic foundation rooted in physics and energy technology, Dr. Saniso has steadily established himself as an authority in agricultural product drying systems, renewable energy solutions for rural applications, and sustainable engineering design. His commitment to advancing local energy autonomy and community-based technological development reflects both scientific expertise and deep-rooted social responsibility. Through his career, Dr. Saniso has bridged theoretical research with hands-on applications, especially in renewable energy projects that serve underprivileged communities, showcasing an exceptional blend of innovation and empathy in his professional contributions.

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Education

Dr. Eleeyah Saniso embarked on his academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Education in Science, majoring in Physics, from Thaksin University in 2004. His growing interest in experimental and applied physics led him to complete a Master of Science in Physics from Prince of Songkla University in 2006. He further advanced his research skills and specialized knowledge by pursuing a doctoral degree at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), where he was awarded a Ph.D. in Energy Technology in 2019. This strong academic pathway has equipped Dr. Saniso with a broad yet deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of energy science, especially in the context of renewable energy and agricultural innovations.

Experience

Dr. Saniso began his professional career as a scientist in physics at the Faculty of Science Technology and Agriculture, Yala Rajabhat University in 2007. A year later, he transitioned into an academic role as a lecturer in the Physics Program, a position he has held since 2008. His commitment to renewable energy solutions prompted his appointment as a lecturer in the Renewable Energy Technology Program in 2018, a role that aligns perfectly with his research endeavors. Throughout his career, Dr. Saniso has played an essential role in curriculum development, research mentorship, and the implementation of community-focused renewable energy projects, all while fostering practical collaboration between students and real-world industry challenges.

Research Interests

Dr. Saniso’s research is highly interdisciplinary, with strong roots in engineering and applied science. His primary focus lies in drying technology and the study of physical properties of agricultural products to optimize drying processes. His interests extend into the exploration of pico-hydropower and pico-wind energy systems, especially for rural and off-grid communities. Moreover, Dr. Saniso is devoted to developing sustainable energy solutions using biomass, agricultural residues, and municipal solid waste, aligning his work with the global call for renewable and circular economy practices.

Awards

Dr. Saniso’s commitment and ingenuity have earned him various research grants from institutions like the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) and Yala Rajabhat University. Notably, his project on the development of efficient drying systems for local farmers and renewable energy solutions for rural communities has been recognized as model work for local technology transfer. His nomination for this award underscores not only his academic contributions but also his impactful community engagement, demonstrating how scientific research can directly benefit society.

Selected Publications

Dr. Saniso’s work has appeared in reputable international journals and conference proceedings. His research has been well-cited by peers in both the renewable energy and agricultural engineering communities. Some of his selected publications include:

Saniso, E., et al. (2025). “Enhancement of Dried Salted Four-Finger Threadfin Using Indirect Solar Dryer.” Results in Engineering. (In press).

Saniso, E., et al. (2025). “Garcinia Drying Using Mixed-Mode Solar Dryer Technique.” Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 66, 105711.

Saniso, E., Seni, L., Handayanto, S.K. (2024). “Experimental Investigation of Paddy Drying by Combined Infrared-Hot Air Fluidised Bed.” American Journal of Engineering Research, 13(9), 17-23.

Suwasono, P., Munthe, H., Saniso, E. (2024). “Minimize Student Misconceptions About Newton’s Third Law.” AIP Conf. Proc., 3106, 060006.

Techo, J., et al., Saniso, E. (2024). “Enhanced Solar Photovoltaic Power Production for EV Charging.” Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 23(1), 215-223.

Saniso, E., Hayibaka, M. (2022). “Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of a Solar Agricultural Dryer.” International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 7(2): 1230-1237.

Saniso, E., et al. (2019). “Parboiled Rice Production Without Steaming Using Microwave-assisted Hot Air Fluidized Bed.” Food and Bioproducts Processing, 120: 8-20.

Each publication has contributed to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable drying techniques and energy-efficient processing, with multiple works cited in global journals and conferences, attesting to the relevance and impact of his studies.

Conclusion

Assistant Professor Dr. Eleeyah Saniso exemplifies the qualities that the Research for Innovative Research Award seeks to honor. His remarkable track record of pioneering research, commitment to real-world applications, and dedication to the academic and local communities reflect his profound impact on the field of renewable energy and sustainable development. Dr. Saniso’s innovative mindset and enduring scientific contributions make him a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.